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Puppy timeouts-is this okay?

3K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Adriennelane 
#1 ·
Is it okay to put a puppy in a playpen of sorts when he is going wild? Jumping up on us, biting our clothes and although annoying he's being cute only as a puppy can. I gave him a chew toy and put him in his floor playpen and he seems happy to just sit and chew.

I am wondering if this is an okay "timeout". He's not isolated from us but restricted to a large playpen. Just wondering if I'm sending a bad message.

Any ideas on what to use when he jumps over it or finds a means of escape.
 
#4 ·
I have had my puppy for two days, he is 10 weeks and so far this seems to work... I put about 5 pennies in a can soda and I shake at him with the command of "OFF" to tell him that its not okay... he is too small to try to jump over but he doesn't like to hear the soda can so he doesn't get that close to the edge... no expert!!! But hopefully it continues to work!!! The breeder used to use the command of "OFF" and I read a book that said to shake the can with pennies.
 
#6 ·
Yup. Perfectly fine method. Try to catch him before he's over-stimulated if you can... but if he short circuits, a little puppy chill time is just what he needs.

You can fashion a "lid" or substitute a crate when he gets bigger.
 
#7 ·
What you are currently doing is perfect. At that age, that kind of bratty behavior can be a sign that the dog needs exercise, or on the flip side that he is over tired and needs a nap. If it is the later, no further adjustments needed. If it's the former, try for a little more yard time each day.

I strongly advise against using a loud, startling noise to deter the behavior at this time. The last thing you want is a dog who is anxious and overly sensitive to loud noises. At this age (arguably at any age) removing what the dog seeks (in this case, your attention, and lots of it) is punishment enough. Good luck with your pup!!

Julie and Jersey
 
#9 ·
I didn't suggest a startling noise to deter his behavior, just so that he doesn't jump over the playpen, puppies are smart he will associate that the noise is because he got to close to the fence, my puppy is exposed to all kinds of noise... not so lucky to have a whisper quiet washer and dryer, blender and vacuum and he doesn't freak out...
 
#12 ·
Our pup is 11 weeks old and we have more than our share of biting, jumping, etc. According to our breeder and trainer, they have both indicated that time-outs are very appropriate for pups who need a break (and when we need a break from them!) They have said that the crate is a good place to put them (they disagree with the argument that this will cause a negative association with the crate).

When our pup Sadie would become over-the-top playful and would actually hurt us and the kids, off she would go for a 10 min time-out. We even borrowed a small outdoor pen from a friend that we set up in the yard because it is all about being quick to respond to the inappropriate behaviour.

Another suggestion our trainer gave us is allowing young pups some time in the morning and afternoon to be in their crate even if we are home. This teaches them that they can be on their own and allows them time to chew (on the right things) and especially lets them get a good nap that puppies need that they might not get where all the action is taking place.

One last thing that we also learned is to keep a very long leash on the pup and keep it close to you at all times. As soon as trouble begins don't say anything but step on the leash so puppy is retrained and wait for puppy to look at you. Then you give a verbal praise and release.

Again, these are all things suggested to us that we have found to work, and now a few weeks later I don't have the long leash on her and have not given a "time-out" in quite a while. You just really have to find what works for you and your family. Good luck!
 
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